I'm in the market for a new 22 Lr revolver . The gun will be carried alot on hiking and scouting trips in a regular hip holster. It will also be shot at the range alot.I would like to keep the price below 800.00. I am considering the new single 10 from Ruger and the model 617 from Smith and Wesson. Which is the most accurate and the most durrable. I would like to know your experiences wirh both. Also which barrel length 4", 5.5" or 6". All suggestions appreicated.
22 revolver
- Thread starter wc beagle
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gordy
Member
Myself I would go with the S&W with a 4 inch barrel.
I have a pre m17 with a 6 inch barrel. great gun.
The 4 inch will do what the 6 inch will do but if you want to hike and camp. The shorter tube will be a blessing.
As for the ruger I am at a lose as I am not up to speed with that firearm.
I have a pre m17 with a 6 inch barrel. great gun.
The 4 inch will do what the 6 inch will do but if you want to hike and camp. The shorter tube will be a blessing.
As for the ruger I am at a lose as I am not up to speed with that firearm.
tpelle
Member
I just bought a new EAA Bounty Hunter at Bud's for $273.00 OTD. I really like it. Both John Taffin as well as Jeff Quinn speak pretty highly of the EAA SA revolver, and I prefer it to the Ruger SA's because it has a traditional Colt action that you place on half-cock to load. Mine is a six-shot version, but the same revolver is commonly encountered in an eight-shot version.
Here's a write-up that I did on mine - scroll down to post #7 for pics and the main write-up:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=600240
Here's a write-up that I did on mine - scroll down to post #7 for pics and the main write-up:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=600240
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
A Smith model 617 would run you $699.88 at our place; and I have been
thinking 'bout one myself; but I can't "swing" the funds right now, and I'm
well satisfied with my small [but nice] collection. In other words, there is
NO trading in my future~!
thinking 'bout one myself; but I can't "swing" the funds right now, and I'm
well satisfied with my small [but nice] collection. In other words, there is
NO trading in my future~!
Smaug
Member
Any chance you'll need to defend yourself with it? If so, 617 or SP-101.
If not, single ten.
-Jeremy
Sent from my iPod
If not, single ten.
-Jeremy
Sent from my iPod
CajunBass
Member
While you're waiting on Ruger to bring back the SP-101, look for a Smith & Wesson Model 18, 22 Combat Masterpiece.
1954, five screw, 22 "Combat Masterpiece."
You'll throw rocks at a Ruger. (Ducks and runs for cover.)
1954, five screw, 22 "Combat Masterpiece."
You'll throw rocks at a Ruger.
(Ducks and runs for cover.)Quantrill
Member
CajunBass +1
Radagast
Member
Cajun Bass, you got it back to front. You throw Rugers at rocks, that's what sledge hammers are for.
w.c.beagle:
My favourite firearm is the S&W Model 18, of your choices I would go with the 4 inch Model 617. Longer barrels do add practical accuracy, but are more likely to have the holster catch and hang on scrub when out in the bush. The six inch 617 also has poor balance in my opinion, I generally don't like full lug barrels. My other beef with the 617 is the wide target trigger. I've too much trigger time with narrow trigger guns (Glock, 1911, S&W, CZ, etc) and the wide target trigger on the 617 doesn't feel right. YMMV.
I have the 18 & 617 six shot in my safe, I used to own a single six convertible, which I do regret selling. I have yet to see a Single 10.
If you plan to hunt small game then the Single Six Convertible is worth looking at in the 6.5 inch barrel to make use of the .22 magnum cylinder. If just used for plinking and bunnies then I would stick with a S&W as ease of loading and unloading comes into play.
w.c.beagle:
My favourite firearm is the S&W Model 18, of your choices I would go with the 4 inch Model 617. Longer barrels do add practical accuracy, but are more likely to have the holster catch and hang on scrub when out in the bush. The six inch 617 also has poor balance in my opinion, I generally don't like full lug barrels. My other beef with the 617 is the wide target trigger. I've too much trigger time with narrow trigger guns (Glock, 1911, S&W, CZ, etc) and the wide target trigger on the 617 doesn't feel right. YMMV.
I have the 18 & 617 six shot in my safe, I used to own a single six convertible, which I do regret selling. I have yet to see a Single 10.
If you plan to hunt small game then the Single Six Convertible is worth looking at in the 6.5 inch barrel to make use of the .22 magnum cylinder. If just used for plinking and bunnies then I would stick with a S&W as ease of loading and unloading comes into play.
I have a few of the guns you might want to consider. If light weight is important for carry, you might want to consider the Model 63. The current one is 3” and mine weighs 27 oz. The former model has a 5” barrel and weighs about 30 oz. They are accurate, but probably not quite up to the standard of the 617. My 4” 617 weighs 42 oz. and shoots very well. It makes a great understudy gun for 4” larger caliber revolvers. It is really nice for working on my double action trigger stroke. You might also want to weight for the official introduction of the Ruger SP101 in .22 next month some time.
CajunBass
Member
Yea. I was being seriously tongue in cheek there. I've got several Ruger 22's. Not a thing wrong with them. The Single-Six and the Bearcat are hard to beat if you don't mind a single-action.
But I wouldn't waste time waiting on something that might or might not show up on the market. There are are a lot of good guns out there right now. A couple others that come to mind are the Dan Wesson 22 (that's a BIG...HEAVY gun though) and the Harrington & Richardson 999 Sportsman. The H&R's D/A trigger is pretty strong though. I usually think of it as a single-action.
We won't even talk about Colts...If they're in your price range, you already know about them. If they're not. Well, you probably aren't worried about them. (I saw a Diamondback over the weekend...WHEW!! Beautiful gun. VERY pricey.)
oldfool
Member
well, your two default choices are pretty tough to beat there, wc
really comes down to small frame SA vs larger frame DA
if it's main duty is going to be hiking, the small frame make sense, with ~4" barrel
but for a range gun, the 6" SA/DA is the more natural choice
me, the choice would be between a old model S&W 4" j-63 or an old model 6" S&W k-17
but neither is quite 100% optimal for both duties (probably why I own both)
and you may very well wind up with one of each as well, two different frame sizes that is
but I wouldn't wait on the new Ruger, there is no shortage of real nice Single-Sixes out there right now, if you decide to go SA
(and you could go with the convertible 22LR/22WMR version, you know)
PS
yeah I would love to have a rimfire SP101 too, but not for either purpose named
for me, it would be an ideal practice companion for my centerfire SP101
it's a tad heavy vs a j-frame for hiking trails, and a tad short for range day 'target' shooting
that sure is a beautiful k-18 there, though, CJ
on my real short list of revolvers I most admire, but alas do not own
really comes down to small frame SA vs larger frame DA
if it's main duty is going to be hiking, the small frame make sense, with ~4" barrel
but for a range gun, the 6" SA/DA is the more natural choice
me, the choice would be between a old model S&W 4" j-63 or an old model 6" S&W k-17
but neither is quite 100% optimal for both duties (probably why I own both)
and you may very well wind up with one of each as well, two different frame sizes that is
but I wouldn't wait on the new Ruger, there is no shortage of real nice Single-Sixes out there right now, if you decide to go SA
(and you could go with the convertible 22LR/22WMR version, you know)
PS
yeah I would love to have a rimfire SP101 too, but not for either purpose named
for me, it would be an ideal practice companion for my centerfire SP101
it's a tad heavy vs a j-frame for hiking trails, and a tad short for range day 'target' shooting
that sure is a beautiful k-18 there, though, CJ
on my real short list of revolvers I most admire, but alas do not own
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Stainz
Member
If you want a great carry piece for the woods, consider a 3" 63. As to a proper holster, consider the selection of 3" J-frame holsters by DeSantis available from S&W Accessories ($75 shipped). Below is my RH OWB model with a 3" 60 Pro holstered and my 3" 63 alongside. They both fit it fine. It sports the 60 Pro grips - a bargain at $43, also from S&W Accessories.
Ala Dan, you have to get yourself a 617 - you deserve one! You know, we aren't getting any younger! That is my only regret/reservation - even now - over my purchase of my new 4" x10 617 9/08 - why did I wait so long?? Seriously - and I haven't missed the MKII (KMK-678GC) I sold to help fund the purchase - not even a minute - and I had that bottom-feeder for ten years. The 4" 617 is a great range gun.
I bought a late friend's 5" 63, ANIB, from his estate 8/09. I cleaned up the action and resprung it, making decent improvements. My 3" 63 - $631 new 11/10 - came out of the box with as good a trigger - and it's even better now. Not quite up to my tweaked 617, but darn close - and a handy size - those wood grips help, too. At 2/3 the 617's mass, it's a lot more tote-friendly. My collection:
Teacher's Retirement and Social Security only go so far - I had to say goodbye to some old 'friends'/treasures to fund these DA capable .22's. No regrets - they are 'lifetime' purchases. Just get one sooner than later - one never knows their own expiration date.
Stainz
Ala Dan, you have to get yourself a 617 - you deserve one! You know, we aren't getting any younger! That is my only regret/reservation - even now - over my purchase of my new 4" x10 617 9/08 - why did I wait so long?? Seriously - and I haven't missed the MKII (KMK-678GC) I sold to help fund the purchase - not even a minute - and I had that bottom-feeder for ten years. The 4" 617 is a great range gun.
I bought a late friend's 5" 63, ANIB, from his estate 8/09. I cleaned up the action and resprung it, making decent improvements. My 3" 63 - $631 new 11/10 - came out of the box with as good a trigger - and it's even better now. Not quite up to my tweaked 617, but darn close - and a handy size - those wood grips help, too. At 2/3 the 617's mass, it's a lot more tote-friendly. My collection:
Teacher's Retirement and Social Security only go so far - I had to say goodbye to some old 'friends'/treasures to fund these DA capable .22's. No regrets - they are 'lifetime' purchases. Just get one sooner than later - one never knows their own expiration date.
Stainz
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22-rimfire
Member
I would probably wait for the Ruger SP-101 to come out prior to making a decision personally. If it is "good", it will be a big middle price range seller.
Your choices are sound. I personally prefer the double action revolver over a single action in a 22. I just don't care for loading and unloading each small cartridge/empty individually. But with a short barrel, they are good reliable woods companion guns. I like them with centerfire calibers however.
I would also look at the current S&W Model 63 (3") to see how it feels to you. It is a quality gun and may be just the ticket for the woods portion of your use. It won't be too shabby at the range either unless you are shooting in some sort of competion.
Barrel length... After years of shooting 22 revolvers, I have settled on the 4" as my preferred barrel length in a 22 revolver. If I were going to use it more for hunting or target shooting, then I might consider the 6" length more strongly. Yes, I own 6" DA 22 revolvers (Colts and Smiths).
I really like the 4" Colt Diamondback (my longtime favorite), but they have gotten so expensive. I seldom even shoot mine anymore due to the collector market. I have shifted to the S&W Model 18 about 5 years ago and really like that revolver. I also like the 4" M17, 6" M17, and 4" M617 Smiths. The J-frame 22's (M63) is somewhat new to me these days. I have the 5", and will most likely buy a 3" if I ever see one at a gun shop at a fair price. They seem to be fairly hard to find.
I don't own any of the lesser priced DA 22 revolvers. Been there and eventually got sick of them. I don't think I'll ever buy one of the Taurus, Charter Arms or old Ruger SP-101's. But I personally would wait for the new Ruger SP-101 to hit the dealer shelves prior to making a decision unless you plan on more than one DA 22 revolver. In that case, buy one now (probably a Smith) and seriously evaluate the Ruger when it comes out.
On the 22 front, although not a revolver, Browning appears to be coming out with a scaled down 1911 in 22. That may shift my buying plans after I see one.
Your choices are sound. I personally prefer the double action revolver over a single action in a 22. I just don't care for loading and unloading each small cartridge/empty individually. But with a short barrel, they are good reliable woods companion guns. I like them with centerfire calibers however.
I would also look at the current S&W Model 63 (3") to see how it feels to you. It is a quality gun and may be just the ticket for the woods portion of your use. It won't be too shabby at the range either unless you are shooting in some sort of competion.
Barrel length... After years of shooting 22 revolvers, I have settled on the 4" as my preferred barrel length in a 22 revolver. If I were going to use it more for hunting or target shooting, then I might consider the 6" length more strongly. Yes, I own 6" DA 22 revolvers (Colts and Smiths).
I really like the 4" Colt Diamondback (my longtime favorite), but they have gotten so expensive. I seldom even shoot mine anymore due to the collector market. I have shifted to the S&W Model 18 about 5 years ago and really like that revolver. I also like the 4" M17, 6" M17, and 4" M617 Smiths. The J-frame 22's (M63) is somewhat new to me these days. I have the 5", and will most likely buy a 3" if I ever see one at a gun shop at a fair price. They seem to be fairly hard to find.
I don't own any of the lesser priced DA 22 revolvers. Been there and eventually got sick of them. I don't think I'll ever buy one of the Taurus, Charter Arms or old Ruger SP-101's. But I personally would wait for the new Ruger SP-101 to hit the dealer shelves prior to making a decision unless you plan on more than one DA 22 revolver. In that case, buy one now (probably a Smith) and seriously evaluate the Ruger when it comes out.
On the 22 front, although not a revolver, Browning appears to be coming out with a scaled down 1911 in 22. That may shift my buying plans after I see one.
The Ruger isn't a "might", it's a definite.
They're saying I should have a test sample in a couple weeks, and if it turns out to be a good shooter with a decent trigger, I'll be buying it.
I do have a minty Smith 34 that I'm very fond of, but it's one of the rare guns in the vault that I may shoot on occasion, but don't want to scuff or ding by carrying.
If the Ruger's as good as I'm expecting it to be, it'll most definitely get carried in the backcountry.
Denis
They're saying I should have a test sample in a couple weeks, and if it turns out to be a good shooter with a decent trigger, I'll be buying it.
I do have a minty Smith 34 that I'm very fond of, but it's one of the rare guns in the vault that I may shoot on occasion, but don't want to scuff or ding by carrying.
If the Ruger's as good as I'm expecting it to be, it'll most definitely get carried in the backcountry.
Denis
22-rimfire
Member
'Ain't' that the truth. Rifles too for that matter. Having more than a couple is not something that I can explain easily.
I have to admit, I'm looking forward to seeing and handling it (new SP-101). Lord knows, I don't need another DA 22 revolver. Tell Ruger to grind off those sharp edges on the hammer and I will be a very happy camper. I'll even pay them a few bucks more....
oldfool
Member
"Browning appears to be coming out with a scaled down 1911 in 22."
o-my-gawd, now why did you go and have to mention that, 22-rimfire ????
(and me, cannot resist a Browning logo anyway; only kid on my block to own an octagonal barrel BL-22)
80% scale, would this be THE pert-near-perfect companion to my #1 favorite autoloader (Colt Gov'mt model 380 acp), or what..
milady is gonna pistol whip me with a k-17 in each hand if I do it
shame on you !
o-my-gawd, now why did you go and have to mention that, 22-rimfire ????
(and me, cannot resist a Browning logo anyway; only kid on my block to own an octagonal barrel BL-22)
80% scale, would this be THE pert-near-perfect companion to my #1 favorite autoloader (Colt Gov'mt model 380 acp), or what..
milady is gonna pistol whip me with a k-17 in each hand if I do it
shame on you !
22-rimfire
Member
Model is 1911-22 A1, 16 oz and about 84% the size of a standard 1911. There is an article in the Sept 2011 Shooting Times magazine (page 66).
tpelle
Member
I just wish Browning would chamber that 1911-22 in .380 - a 1911-380 anyone?
Stainz
Member
Warning: No SP-101 love here!
My 4" .32 H&RM SP-101 came, NIB, with more QC issues than any other Ruger I had ever bought - and that's saying a lot. I guess my BHG SSM, also .32 H&RM, was second. After fixing all of the other QC issues, both still had a nagging problem - oversized chambers. Add to that the cheesy windage-only adjustable rear sight, and an original .22 SP-101 was never sought after here. The new model will have to be well received by many before I would consider one - my 3" 63 has impressed me on every range trip. At $631 + s/t last fall, it wasn't cheap - but I'll wager the new Ruger won't be much less, either. Happiness has a price.
Stainz
My 4" .32 H&RM SP-101 came, NIB, with more QC issues than any other Ruger I had ever bought - and that's saying a lot. I guess my BHG SSM, also .32 H&RM, was second. After fixing all of the other QC issues, both still had a nagging problem - oversized chambers. Add to that the cheesy windage-only adjustable rear sight, and an original .22 SP-101 was never sought after here. The new model will have to be well received by many before I would consider one - my 3" 63 has impressed me on every range trip. At $631 + s/t last fall, it wasn't cheap - but I'll wager the new Ruger won't be much less, either. Happiness has a price.
Stainz
22-rimfire
Member
I think we just have to wait and see what the new SP-101 22 is like. Obviously it had to be re-engineered since it has the 8-shot cylinder. The question comes down to the trigger. I don't expect it to be light, but I don't want to see a trigger like the M92 Taurus either. I have no love for the old one even though some here want to make it into something it never was when they were commonly available for about $300 new.
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